Boxingtalk recently sat down with Philippine Gerry Penalosa (51-6-2 with 34KOs) and got the ex-115 pound world titlist's thoughts on his upcoming WBO bantamweight title shot against Jhonny Gonzales (34-5-0).  Penalosa came up short in his last effort against Daniel Ponce De Leon for a 122-pound title.  Penalosa is one of many exciting fighters out of The Philippines, and as you will see in this interview, he is ready to seize this opportunity.


BT – How is training camp coming along so far for this fight?

GP – Doing good, I am excited and nervous at the same time because I am fighting in the Bantamweight division.

BT – How are you both mentally and physically for this fight?

GP – I am excited, and I am very confident going into this fight.

BT – How are things going with Freddie Roach?

GP – Yes, very very good.  With Freddie anything is possible.

BT – What does Jhonny Gonzalez do in the ring that most impresses you?

GP – He's a very good fighter, I like the way he moves in the ring.  I want to fight him, take it to him.

BT – How important is it for you to bring a victory back to The Philippines?

GP – I am excited, and I am so hungry because I want to bring that belt back to The Philippines.

BT – Do you want to rematch Ponce de Leon?

GP – Yes, I want to fight him again.  When I beat Jhonny Gonzalez I want to fight Ponce de Leon again. 

BT – What does Freddie Roach bring to you that helps you the most?

GP – Oh Freddie is a very good trainer.  I like him, I want to finish my boxing career with Freddie.  I like him as a man, anything in my boxing career is possible with him.

BT – Do you think that Philippine fighters have equaled Mexican fighters in popularity at this point?

GP – Yes that's a good match-up.  Philippine fighters should thank Manny Pacquiao for opening up the door for all the Philippine fighters.

BT – It looks like Manny Pacquiao will fight Marco Antonio Barrera in a rematch, how do you see that fight going?

GP – I think Manny will win, he is still hungry, he's too quick, too fast.  I think he will win by knockout, but boxing you cannot take chances.  Barrera is good too, but for me, I think Manny is too good for Barrera.

BT – Let's get back to you and your fight against Gonzalez, do you think you can knock him out?

GP – Yes, in the late rounds I think.  I will knock him out in the late rounds, he will get too tired in the late rounds.  He has lost too much weight, and he will be too weak especially after 5 rounds. 

BT – You plan on putting a lot of pressure on this guy?

GP – Yes that's what Freddie wants me to do.

BT – Good luck to you Gerry, and before I let you go is there anything that you would like to say to your fans in The Philippines?

GP – I am so thankful to my Filipino fans. Thank you for your prayers, and your support.  I am so proud and thankful to my countrymen.

M

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